The Smart Way to Store Opened Canned Goods and Wet Pet Food
Canned foods are incredibly convenient. Whether you are opening a can of diced tomatoes for a weeknight pasta sauce, chickpeas for a salad, or a fresh tin of wet food for your dog or cat, chances are you will not use the entire can at once. However, leaving leftover wet goods in their original metal tins inside the fridge is a recipe for spoiled food, metallic flavors, and unpleasant odors.
The Problem with Open Tins:
Once a can is opened, the protective seal is broken. Storing highly acidic foods like tomatoes in an open tin can cause the food to absorb a harsh, metallic taste. Furthermore, leaving highly aromatic items—like wet pet food or brined beans—uncovered allows their strong smells to permeate everything else in your refrigerator.
The Glass and Vacuum Solution:
The safest and most hygienic way to preserve these wet goods is to immediately transfer the leftover contents, along with their juices or gravy, into a clean glass Mason jar. Glass is non-reactive, meaning it will never alter the flavor of your food. To completely stop the oxidation process and lock in strong odors, extracting the air is the critical next step.
How to Properly Store Wet Goods:
Transfer the Contents: Pour your leftover canned beans, sauces, or wet pet food into a Mason jar. Always leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar to prevent liquid from being pulled upward during the sealing process.
Seal It Tight: Place the metal lid on the jar and attach your VP05 Mason Jar Sealer. Press the button to draw the air out. Once sealed, you can safely store the jar in the refrigerator.
The Result:
By using this method, your leftover ingredients will stay fresh significantly longer, your pet's food will retain its appetizing moisture, and your refrigerator will remain completely free of cross-contaminating odors. Plus, neatly stacked glass jars instantly upgrade the look and organization of your fridge shelves.
